Locomotive fueling adapter

ABSTRACT

A fueling adapter configured to permit a fuel dispenser which terminates in a twist lock mating assembly to be used to supply fuel to a fuel tank which has a fuel receiver outfitted with a dry break connector connected thereto, said fueling adapter comprising a dry break assembly rotatably connected to a twist lock assembly via a rotational connector.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This present disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/407,195 filed Oct. 12, 2016, and to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/463,947 filed Feb. 27, 2017,the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to the field of quick-disconnectfueling apparatuses, and more particularly with fueling adapters usedwith such apparatuses.

BACKGROUND

There is a wide range of connection standards used today in the fuelingindustry, ranging from threaded connections using standards such asNational Pipe Thread Taper (NPT), which is a U.S. standard for taperedthreads used on threaded pipes and fittings to prevent leaks, to quickconnect fittings such as cam locks and dry break interface standards.Such connection standards can be used with both fueling nozzle as wellas with fueling receivers, with a fueling nozzle of one connectionstandard configured for use with a mating fueling receiver of the sameconnection standard. Often times it is necessary to use a fueling nozzleof one connection standard with a fueling receiver of another receiver.Utilizing such different connection standards together typically failsto result in a proper seal, and can result in leaks.

A first connection standard can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,441,533which describes an automatic fuel dispenser for the fueling oflocomotive fuel tanks utilizing a “twist lock coupling” connection.

A second connection standard utilizes a dry break connection of the typeused for under wing fueling of aircraft. This connection standard isbased on aviation military specification standard connection (MS 24484),and is referred to herein as the “dry break coupling” connection. A drybreak coupling connection is present in the receiver generallyillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,430,117.

The dry break coupling of U.S. Pat. No. 8,430,117 is a differentconnection system than the twist lock coupling connection specified inU.S. Pat. No. 4,441,533. In order to form a leak proof connectionbetween a nozzle utilizing the twist lock coupling connection and areceiver utilizing the dry break coupling connection, an adapter isrequired which contains both connection standards.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Several exemplary fueling adapters are described herein.

A first exemplary fueling adapter is configured for permitting a vehiclehaving a dry break coupling fuel receiver to be fueled from a fuelsource having a twist lock coupling fuel dispenser.

The first exemplary fueling adapter comprises a fueling adapterconfigured to permit a fuel dispenser which terminates in a twist lockmating assembly to be used to supply fuel to a fuel tank which has afuel receiver outfitted with a dry break connector connected thereto.The fueling adapter comprises a dry break assembly rotatably connectedto a twist lock assembly via a rotational connector. The dry breakassembly comprises a first passageway defined therethrough, and thetwist lock assembly defines a second passageway therethrough. The firstpassageway is fluidly connected to the second passageway so as to definea fuel passageway through the fueling adapter. The dry break assembly isconfigured for connecting with the dry break connector. The dry breakassembly comprises a tubular body portion which comprises an insidesurface. The inside surface comprises an annular inner race groove. Thetwist lock assembly is configured for connecting with the twist lockmating assembly. The twist lock assembly comprises a twist lock couplingand a plug portion. The plug portion further comprises an extensionwhich extends away from a first end of the plug portion. The extensioncomprises an outer surface into which an annular outer race groove isdefined. The plug portion is configured for receiving the body portionthereon with the inner race groove aligned with the outer race groove.The rotational connector comprises the inner race groove and the outerrace groove aligned to form a combined groove and a plurality of ballbearings received in the combined groove. The combined groove and ballbearings rotatably connecting the twist lock assembly to the dry breakassembly.

Additional understanding of the devices and methods contemplated and/orclaimed by the inventor can be gained by reviewing the detaileddescription of exemplary devices and methods, presented below, and thereferenced drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a second end perspective view of a first exemplary fuelingadapter.

FIG. 2 is a first side, exploded view of the exemplary fueling adapterof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a second side, exploded view of the exemplary fueling adapterof FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a section view, of the exemplary fueling adapter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second end of the exemplary fuelingadapter of FIG. 1, including environment, unassembled.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second end of the exemplary fuelingadapter of FIG. 1, illustrating the fueling adapter aligned forinsertion into a receiver.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second end of the exemplary fuelingadapter of FIG. 1, illustrating the fueling adapter inserted into thereceiver.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second end of the exemplary fuelingadapter of FIG. 1, illustrating the fueling adapter inserted into thereceiver, and rotated onto the receiver.

FIG. 9 is a perspective detail view of the exemplary fueling adapter ofFIG. 1 illustrating the fueling adapter locked into the receiver, thetwist lock coupling portion not illustrated.

FIG. 10 is a second end perspective view of the exemplary fuelingadapter of FIG. 1, including environment, illustrating the fuelingadapter locked onto the receiver and aligned for receipt of a twist lockcoupling fueling nozzle.

FIG. 11 is a second end perspective view of the exemplary fuelingadapter of FIG. 1, including environment, illustrating the fuelingadapter slid onto the receiver, with the twist lock coupling fuelingnozzle inserted into the fueling adapter.

FIG. 12 is a second end perspective view of the exemplary fuelingadapter of FIG. 1, including environment, illustrating the fuelingadapter locked onto the receiver, with the twist lock coupling fuelingnozzle inserted into the fueling adapter, and with the fueling nozzlerotated onto the fueling adapter.

FIG. 13 is a rotated second end perspective view of the exemplaryfueling adapter of FIG. 1, including environment, illustrating thefueling adapter locked onto the receiver, with the twist lock couplingfueling nozzle inserted into the fueling adapter, and with the fuelingnozzle rotated onto the fueling adapter.

FIG. 14 is a perspective detail view of the exemplary fueling adapter ofFIG. 1 illustrating the swivel limits, the twist lock coupling portionand body portion not illustrated.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the handle assembly portion of theexemplary fueling adapter of FIG. 1, illustrating the fueling adapteraligned for insertion into a receiver.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the handle assembly portion of theexemplary fueling adapter of FIG. 1, illustrating the fueling adapterinserted into the receiver.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the handle assembly portion of theexemplary fueling adapter of FIG. 1, illustrating the fueling adapterinserted into the receiver, and rotated onto the receiver.

DEFINITIONS

The use of “e.g.,” “etc,” “for instance,” “in example,” “for example,”and “or” and grammatically related terms indicates non-exclusivealternatives without limitation, unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. The use of “including” and grammatically related terms means“including, but not limited to,” unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. The use of the articles “a,” “an” and “the” are meant to beinterpreted as referring to the singular as well as the plural, unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“a handle” includes two or more such handles, and the like. The use of“optionally,” “alternatively,” and grammatically related terms meansthat the subsequently described element, event or circumstance may ormay not be present/occur, and that the description includes instanceswhere said element, event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not. The use of “preferred,” “preferably,” and grammaticallyrelated terms means that a specified element or technique is moreacceptable than another, but not that such specified element ortechnique is a necessity, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.The use of “exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended toconvey a meaning of an ideal or preferred embodiment. Words ofapproximation (e.g., “substantially,” “generally”), as used in contextof the specification and figures, are intended to take on their ordinaryand customary meanings which denote approximation, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

The use of “locomotive” and grammatically related terms means “a railtransport vehicle,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The use of “vehicle” means “an object used for transporting people orgoods,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. A locomotive is atype of vehicle.

The use of “API Style coupler” and grammatically related terms means “abottom loading and vapor recovery connector,” for instance of the typedefined in the standard API Recommended Practice 1004, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise.

The use of “dry break”, “MS 24484” and grammatically related terms means“a military-aviation dry break connection, possessing specificationstandard MS 24484” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The use of “twist lock” and grammatically related terms means “capableof attachment via a twist lock connection,” unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. An example of a twist lock connection is the firstcomponent having a pair of opposing L-shaped connectors and the secondcomponent comprising a pair of opposing elongated wedge shaped tabsillustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,441,533.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and the referenced drawings provideillustrative examples of that which the inventor regards as hisinvention. As such, the embodiments discussed herein are merelyexemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention, or its protection, in any manner. Rather, the description andillustration of these embodiments serve to enable a person of ordinaryskill in the relevant art to practice the invention.

The inventive concept(s) relate to fueling adapters configured forpermitting a locomotive having a dry break coupling style fuel receiverinstalled thereon to be fueled from a fuel source having a twist lockcoupling fuel dispenser (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,441,533). The inventiveconcept(s) is useful to aid in the interchangeability among differentrailroads and the connection standards they typically utilize. If alocomotive was equipped with a dry break style fuel dispenser connectionand a nozzle with that style connection fitting was not present (but atwist lock coupling fuel dispenser was present instead), then thefueling adapter would enable the locomotive to be fueled with analternative type of nozzle.

A first embodiment of the inventive concept(s) is illustrated in theFigures. Also illustrated in the Figures is a prior art fuel dispenser80 and a prior art fuel receiver 90.

FIGS. 5 and 10-13 illustrate the prior art fuel dispenser 80. The twistlock mating assembly 81 of the fuel dispenser 80 is rotationallyconnected with a handle system 84, which in turn is connected with afueling hose (not illustrated) connected to a fuel source (notillustrated) such as a fuel truck. The handle system 84 is configuredfor being turned and locked onto a mating fuel receiver (notillustrated), namely, the nozzle 85 of the fuel dispenser 80 isconfigured to be inserted into the mating fuel receiver. The twist lockmating assembly 81 comprises an annular sidewall that extends from theinternal face 102. The sidewall defines a pair of diametrically opposedflanges 82 which are configured for mating engagement with a pair oftabs (not illustrated) located on the mating fuel receiver. The fueldispenser 80 defines a fuel flow passageway 86 therethrough which wouldbe fluidly connected to the fuel source so that fuel could flow from thefuel source, through the fueling hose, through the fuel flow passageway86, out one or more outlets 87 and into the mating fuel receiver.

FIGS. 5-13 and 15-17 illustrate the prior art fuel receiver 90. Anexemplary prior art fuel receiver is described in detail in U.S. Pat.No. 8,955,561. In the prior art fuel receiver 90 illustrated in thedrawings, the fuel receiver 90 comprises a threaded portion 93configured for receipt into a like threaded fuel port (not illustrated)defined within an exterior wall of a fuel tank (not illustrated).

The fuel receiver 90 defines a fuel flow passageway 94 therethrough,thereby permitting fuel to flow from a connected fuel dispenser and intothe fuel tank. The fuel receiver 90 has a piston 99 which, upon fuelflow being supplied to the fuel receiver 90, moves to permit fuel toflow therethrough, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,955,561. The fuelreceiver 90 terminates in a rim 95 which defines a fuel flow passageway94. The rim 95 spaced from the body 97 of the fuel receiver 90. The drybreak connector 92 comprises three tabs 96 about equiradially disposed,and which project outwards from the rim 95. The tabs 96 being generallywedge-shaped in side elevation. The tabs 96 spaced apart from the body97 and a channel 98 is defined therebetween.

FIGS. 1 through 17 illustrate a first exemplary fueling adapter 10configured to permit a fuel dispenser 80 which terminates in a twistlock mating assembly 81 to be used to supply fuel to a fuel tank (notillustrated) which has a fuel receiver 90 outfitted with a dry breakconnector 92 connected thereto. The first exemplary fueling adapter 10

The first exemplary fueling adapter 10 comprises a dry break assembly 57and a twist lock assembly 20, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a second endperspective view of a first exemplary fueling adapter. Together, the drybreak assembly 57 and twist lock assembly 20 are a body portion thatdefines a fuel passageway therethrough, namely the combination of thepassageway 35 of the dry break assembly 57, and the passageway 46 of thetwist lock assembly 20. The twist lock assembly 20 and the dry breakassembly 57 rotatably connected together (as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and8) through use of a rotational connector, such as a plurality ofbearings 36.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first side, exploded view of the exemplary fuelingadapter 10. FIG. 3 illustrates a second side, exploded view of theexemplary fueling adapter 10. FIG. 4 illustrates a section view of theexemplary fueling adapter 10. FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view ofthe second end of the exemplary fueling adapter 10, along with the fueldispenser 80 and fuel receiver 90, unassembled.

The dry break assembly 57 comprises a handle assembly 60 and a shell 70.In the first exemplary fueling adapter 10, the handle assembly 60connects to the first end 72 of the shell 70 via a plurality offasteners 54, such as machine screws, which are configured for receiptinto threaded holes 23. A skilled artisan will be able to select anappropriate structure and material for manner the handle assembly 60 andshell 70 connect with one another and/or are formed in a particularembodiment based on various considerations, including the intended useof the fueling adapter, the intended arena within which the fuelingadapter will be used, and the equipment and/or accessories with whichthe fueling adapter is intended to be used, among other considerations.

The handle assembly 60 defines a generally circular orifice 61therethrough which has an annular sidewall 62 connected to the peripherythereof. The sidewall 62 defines three radially spaced slot 63dimensioned and positioned to slidably receive the tabs 96 of the drybreak connector 92 therethrough. The handle assembly 60 has an insideface 64 which faces the shell 70, and an outside face 65 which facesoutwards. The handle assembly 60 further comprises at least one gripportion 66 which enables a user to grasp, handle and operate the drybreak assembly 57.

The shell 70 comprises a generally circular, tubular body portion 71.The tubular body portion 71 has a first end 72 and a second end 73. Thefirst end 72 is configured to connect with the handle assembly 60,preferably via a number of fasteners 54 configured to pass through holes67 which are defined in the handle assembly 60, and into mating holes 59defined in the first end 72 of the shell 70. While the Figuresillustrate such a manner of connecting the handle assembly 60 to theshell 70, a skilled artisan will be able to select an appropriatestructure for the connecting the handle assembly and the shell togetherin a particular embodiment based on various considerations, includingthe intended use of the fueling adapter, the intended arena within whichthe fueling adapter will be used, and the equipment and/or accessorieswith which the fueling adapter is intended to be used, among otherconsiderations.

The second end 73 comprises an end face 88 which has a plurality ofequiradially disposed limiter channels 69 defined therein. In theexemplary fueling adapter 10 illustrated in these Figures, the limiterchannels 69 number three. The limiter channels 69 extend into the endface 88. The limiter channels 69 are configured to receive a pluralityof limiter pins 38. The limiter channels 69 and limiter pins 38 areconfigured to limit the rotation of the twist lock assembly 20 inrelation to the dry break assembly 57.

The tubular body portion 71 further comprises an outside surface 74 andan inside surface 75. The inside surface 75, first end 72 and second end73 define a shell passageway 68 therethrough. The shell passageway 68configured to receive the first end 25 of the plug portion 24therethrough.

An inner race groove 76 is defined in the inside surface 75, the innerrace groove 76 generally matches an outer race groove 26 on the plugportion 24 of the twist lock assembly 20. When the inner race groove 76and the outer race groove 26 are aligned, a combined groove 27 isdefined which is configured to receive a plurality of ball bearings 36,as illustrated in FIG. 14. The ball bearings 36 connect the dry breakassembly 57 to the twist lock assembly 20. The inner race groove 76, theouter race groove 26, and the ball bearings 36 together form therotational connector in the fueling adapter illustrated in thesedrawings. While such grooves and bearings form the rotational connectorin the fueling adapter illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 17, a skilledartisan will be able to select an appropriate structure and material fora rotational connector in a particular embodiment based on variousconsiderations, including the intended use of the fueling adapter, theintended arena within which the fueling adapter will be used, and theequipment and/or accessories with which the fueling adapter is intendedto be used, among other considerations.

While in the fueling adapter 10 illustrated in these drawings, the plugportion 24 and the dry break assembly 57 connect via ball bearings 36, askilled artisan will be able to select an appropriate structure andmaterial for the manner of connecting the body portion and the dry breakassembly together in a particular embodiment based on variousconsiderations, including the intended use of the fueling adapter, theintended arena within which the fueling adapter will be used, and theequipment and/or accessories with which the fueling adapter is intendedto be used, among other considerations.

The outside surface 74 comprises a ball bearing insertion passageway 77that extends inwards from the outside surface 74 to the inside surface75. The inner race groove 76 is radially aligned with the ball bearinginsertion passageway 77 so that ball bearings 36 may be inserted intothe combined groove 27 when the inner race groove 76 and the outer racegroove 26 are aligned. A groove cover 78 configured to cover the outsidesurface 74 opening into the ball insertion passageway 77 and retain theball bearings 36 in the combined groove 27 after insertion. The groovecover 78 preferably attached to the shell 70 via a fastener 79.Preferably, the area of the shell 70 adjacent the ball bearing insertionpassageway 77 is recessed, and defines a recess 39. The groove cover 78is configured for receipt into the recess 39.

The twist lock assembly 20 comprises the twist lock coupling 22 and theplug portion 24. In the exemplary fueling adapter 10 illustrated in theFigures, the twist lock coupling 22 and plug portion 24 compriseseparate components that connect together via a plurality of fasteners53 configured to extend through orifices 49 defined in second end 44 ofthe twist lock coupling 22 and into matching threaded holes 55 definedin the second end 28 of the plug portion 24. In other exemplary twistlock assemblies, the twist lock coupling and the body portion cancomprise a unitary piece. A skilled artisan will be able to select anappropriate structure for the twist lock assembly in a particularembodiment based on various considerations, including the intended useof the fueling adapter, the intended arena within which the fuelingadapter will be used, and the equipment and/or accessories with whichthe fueling adapter is intended to be used, among other considerations.

The plug portion 24 comprises a first end 25 which defines an outlet 29,and a second end 28 which defines an inlet 30. The outlet 29 and inlet30 define a passageway 35 therebetween through the plug portion 24.

The first end 25 further defines a poppet valve depressor 31 configuredto depress the dry break connection poppet valve (not illustrated) ofthe fuel receiver 90 when the fueling adapter 10 is attached to the fuelreceiver 90. The poppet valve depressor 31 illustrated has flat bottomwith holes in the sides which allows the fuel to flow from the fuelingadapter, into an attached receiver, and into the fuel tank.

The first end 25 of the plug portion 24 further comprises a seal seat 32configured to receive a gasket 37 and for sealing engagement with thereceiver 90 when the fueling adapter 10 is attached to the fuel receiver90. The preferred gasket 37 comprises rubber, however any suitablematerial can be used for the gasket, and a skilled artisan will be ableto select an appropriate material for the gasket in a particularembodiment having a gasket based on various considerations, includingthe intended use of the fueling adapter, the intended arena within whichthe fueling adapter will be used, and the equipment and/or accessorieswith which the fueling adapter is intended to be used, among otherconsiderations.

The plug portion 24 comprises an extension 33 which extends away fromthe first end 25. The extension 33 comprises an outer surface 34 intowhich the outer race groove 26 is defined.

The extension 33 defines three radially spaced notches 101 which eachhave a first end 58 and a second end 21. FIG. 9 illustrates a partialperspective detail view of the exemplary fueling adapter 10, with thefueling adapter 10 locked onto the receiver 90. In FIG. 9, forillustrative purposes, the twist lock coupling portion 22 is notillustrated, and the shell 70 is not illustrated. The plug portion 24and the handle assembly 60 together forming a plurality of groovesconfigured for receiving the tabs 96 therein, each groove defined by thenotches 101, the slots 63, and the handle assembly 60 adjacent the notch101. In this view, the tab 96 has been slid through the slot 63 and intothe groove defined by the notch 101, the slot 63, and the handleassembly 60 adjacent the notch 101. The handle assembly 60 is thenrotated so that the first end 58 is brought into contact with the tab96, thereby locking the fueling adapter 10 onto the receiver 90 bylocking the tab 96 within the groove. To unlock the fueling adapter 10from the receiver 90, the handle assembly 60 would be rotated theopposite direction so that the second end 21 of the notch 101 is broughtinto contact with the tab 96, and the tab 96 can be slid out off thegroove, back through the slot 63, and the fueling adapter 10 can belifted off the receiver 90.

The second end 28 comprises an end plate 40. The inlet 30 is definedthrough the end plate 40. The end plate 40 has an end surface 41configured for attachment to a mating face 48 of the second end 44 ofthe twist lock coupling 22.

The end plate 40 further comprises a plurality of equiradially disposedthreaded passageways 56 therethrough. In the exemplary fueling adapter10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-17, the number of threaded passageways 56 isthree. As discussed above, a plurality of equiradially disposed limiterchannels 69 are defined in the end face 88. In the exemplary fuelingadapter 10 illustrated in these Figures, the limiter channels 69 numberthree. The limiter channels 69 extend into the end face 88. The limiterchannels 69 are configured to receive a plurality of limiter pins 38.The limiter channels 69 and limiter pins 38 are configured to limit therotation of the twist lock assembly 20 in relation to the dry breakassembly 57.

The limiter pins 28 preferably comprise ball plungers. A plug insert(not illustrated) can be inserted into the threaded hole 55 after thelimiter pin 38 is run partially through the threaded hole 55 so that atleast the ball of the limiter pin 38 is within the limiter channel 69.The plug insert for preventing the limiter pin 38 from backing out ofthe threaded hole 55.

The threaded passageways 56 extend through the end plate 40, from theend surface 41 to an inside surface 51. When assembled, the insidesurface 51 faces the end face 88, and the pins 38 (which were insertedinto the threaded passageways 56 so that they protrude from the insidesurface 51) extend into the limiter channels 69. In such aconfiguration, the twist lock assembly 20 and the dry break assembly 50are limited to be rotated sixty (60) degrees with respect to one anotherbefore being stopped. FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective detail view ofthe exemplary fueling adapter 10 which illustrates the swivel limits,the twist lock coupling 22 and the plug portion 24 are not illustratedin FIG. 14 for illustrative purposes. In FIG. 14, the limiter pins 38are able to freely move along grooves 69, and are not attached to thegrooves 69 or to the shell 70.

While such a degree of rotation is disclosed by the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1-17, a skilled artisan will be able to select andegree of rotation for the components in a particular embodiment basedon various considerations, including the intended use of the fuelingadapter, the intended arena within which the fueling adapter will beused, and the equipment and/or accessories with which the fuelingadapter is intended to be used, among other considerations.

In the exemplary fueling adapter 10 illustrated in these Figures, whenassembled, the mounting flange 47 covers the opening into the threadedpassageways 56 in the end surface 41 of the plug portion 24. The twistlock coupling 22 comprises a mounting flange 47 at a second end 44, anda barrel portion 83 at a first end 42.

The first end 42 defines an inlet 43, and the second end 44 defines anoutlet 45. The outlet 45 and inlet 43 define a passageway 46 through thetwist lock coupling 22. The passageway 46 extends through the twist lockcoupling 22 to the second end 44 at the outlet 45, so that whenconnected to a fuel dispenser 80, fuel can flow through the inlet 43 andinto the passageway 46, out the outlet 45, into the inlet 30 of the plugportion 24, through the passageway 35 of the plug portion 24, out theoutlet 29 of the plug portion 24 and into the fuel receiver 90.

The barrel portion 83 has an outer surface 91 which comprises a pair ofradially spaced tabs 52 which project outwardly from or adjacent to thefirst end 42 of the twist lock coupling 22. The tabs 52 are dimensionedand positioned to slidably lock onto flanges 82 defined on the fueldispenser 80. Slots 54 are defined between the tabs 52. The tabs 52 aregenerally wedge-shaped in side elevation, and are configured for matingengagement with the pair of flanges 82 on the twist lock mating assembly81 of the fuel dispenser 80.

The twist lock mating assembly 81 can be attached to the twist lockcoupling 22 of the fueling adapter 10 by inserting the nozzle 85 of thefuel dispenser 80 into the passageway 46, slidably passing the flanges82 through the slots 54, and bringing the rim 89 of the twist lockcoupling 22 into contact with an internal face 102 of the twist lockmating assembly 81. The internal face 102 preferably comprises a gasket(not illustrated), and the rim 89 preferably has a finish capable ofsealing against the gasket installed on the internal face 102. Rotationof the handle system 84 of the twist lock mating assembly 81 results inthe flanges 82 engaging the wedge-shaped tabs 52, drawing the rim 89tight against the internal face 102, resulting in an interference fitand thereby locking the twist lock mating assembly 81 onto the fuelingadapter 10. In such a configuration, the rim 89 can bear upon theinternal face 102, thereby limiting the rotation of the fueling adapter10 onto the fuel receiver 90.

The mounting flange 47 is configured to be mounted to the end plate 40of the plug portion 24 so that the passageway 46 of the twist lockcoupling 22 is aligned with the passageway 35 of the plug portion 24. Anoutlet 45 is defined through the mounting flange 47. The mounting flange47 has a mating face 48 which is configured for contacting to the endsurface 41 of the second end 28 of the plug portion 24.

In use, the fueling adapter 10 could be first installed on the receiver90, and then the fuel dispenser 80 attached to the fueling adapter 10.Alternatively, the fueling adapter 10 could be first installed on thefuel dispenser 80, and then the receiver 90 attached to the fuelingadapter 10. While the Figures illustrate the attachment of the fuelingadapter 10 first onto the receiver 90, such illustration is not intendedto be limiting.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the second end of the exemplaryfueling adapter 10, illustrating the fueling adapter 10 aligned forconnection with the receiver 90, namely the slot 63 in the handleassembly 60 are aligned with the tabs 96 of the fuel receiver, and thepoppet valve depressor 31 is aligned to be inserted into the opening tothe fuel flow passageway 94 (hidden) defined by the rim 95. FIG. 15illustrates the same thing from a different angle, but only illustratesthe handle assembly 60 portion of the fueling adapter 10.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the second end of the exemplaryfueling adapter 10, illustrating the fueling adapter 10 initiallyconnected with the receiver 90, with the slot 63 in the handle assembly60 slid onto the tabs 96, and the poppet valve depressor 31 (hidden)inserted into the opening to the fuel flow passageway defined by the rim(hidden). FIG. 16 illustrates the same thing from a different angle, butonly illustrates the handle assembly 60 portion of the fueling adapter10.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the second end of the exemplaryfueling adapter 10, illustrating the poppet valve depressor (hidden)inserted into the opening to the fuel flow passageway (hidden), the tabs96 slid through the slot 63, and the handle assembly 60 rotated relativeto the receiver 90. In doing so, the handle assembly 60 is cammed ontothe receiver 90, as described with respect to FIG. 9 above. FIG. 17illustrates the same thing from a different angle, but only illustratesthe handle assembly 60 portion of the fueling adapter 10.

Turning next to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 illustrates a second end perspectiveview of the exemplary fueling adapter 10, and includes the fueldispenser 80 and fuel receiver 90. In FIG. 10, the fueling adapter 10has already been locked onto the receiver 90. In FIG. 10, the fuelingadapter 10 is aligned for connection with the twist lock mating assembly81 of the fuel dispenser 80. FIG. 10 also illustrates the flanges 82 ofthe fuel dispenser 80 aligned with the slots 54 of the fueling adapter10.

FIG. 11 illustrates a second end perspective view of the exemplaryfueling adapter 10, and includes the fuel dispenser 80 and fuel receiver90. FIG. 11 illustrates the fueling adapter 10 slid onto the receiver90, with the flanges 82 slid through the slots 54 of the fueling adapter10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a second end perspective view of the exemplaryfueling adapter 10, and includes the fuel dispenser 80 and fuel receiver90. FIG. 12 further illustrates the fueling adapter 10 slid onto thereceiver 90, with the flanges 82 slid through the slots 54 of thefueling adapter 10, and the twist lock mating assembly 81 of the fueldispenser 80 rotated relative to the fueling adapter 10 so that the fueldispenser 80 is cammed onto the fueling adapter 10. FIG. 13 illustratesa rotated second end perspective view of the exemplary fueling adapter10, and includes the fuel dispenser 80 and fuel receiver 90, asillustrated in FIG. 12.

In other exemplary fueling adapters, alternative connection standardsbesides a twist lock coupling style fuel dispenser could be specified,such as a range of API style couplers, cam locks and a range of otherdry break connections for the top of the fueling adapter. A skilledartisan will be able to select an appropriate connection standard in aparticular embodiment based on various considerations, including theintended use of the fueling adapter, the intended arena within which thefueling adapter will be used, and the equipment and/or accessories withwhich the fueling adapter is intended to be used, among otherconsiderations.

It is noted that all structure and features of the various described andillustrated embodiments can be combined in any suitable configurationfor inclusion in a fueling adapter according to a particular embodiment.

Any suitable materials can be used to form the various components of thefueling adapter, and a skilled artisan will be able to selectappropriate materials for a fueling adapter according to a particularembodiment based on various considerations, including the industrywithin which the fueling adapter is intended to be used, the environmentwithin which the fueling adapter is intended to be used, and theequipment with which the fueling adapter is intended to be used.

Except as otherwise noted herein, the inventor has determined thatconventional polymeric and metal materials are suitable for use in thevarious components of the fueling adapter. Materials hereinafterdiscovered and/or developed that are determined to be suitable for usein fueling devices would also be considered suitable for use in afueling adapter according to a particular embodiment.

Still other features and advantages of the disclosed inventiveconcept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this artfrom the following detailed description describing preferred embodimentsof the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the bestmode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will berealized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in variousobvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s).Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred and exampleembodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not asrestrictive in nature.

While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiment(s)of the inventive concept(s), it is to be distinctly understood that thisinventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variouslyembodied to practice within the scope of this disclosure. From theforegoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventiveconcept(s) as defined herein.

The foregoing detailed description provides exemplary embodiments of theinvention and includes the best mode for practicing the invention. Thedescription and illustration of these embodiments is intended only toprovide examples of the invention, and not to limit the scope of theinvention, or its protection, in any manner.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fueling adapter configured to permit afuel dispenser which terminates in a twist lock mating assembly to beused to supply fuel to a fuel tank which has a fuel receiver outfittedwith a dry break connector connected thereto, said fueling adaptercomprising: a dry break assembly rotatably connected to a twist lockassembly via a rotational connector; said dry break assembly comprisinga first passageway defined therethrough, said twist lock assemblydefining a second passageway therethrough, said first passageway fluidlyconnected to the second passageway so as to define a fuel passagewaythrough the fueling adapter; said dry break assembly configured forconnecting with said dry break connector, said dry break assemblycomprising a tubular body portion comprising an inside surface, saidinside surface comprising an annular inner race groove; said twist lockassembly configured for connecting with said twist lock mating assembly,said twist lock assembly comprising a twist lock coupling and a plugportion, the plug portion further comprising an extension which extendsaway from a first end of said plug portion, the extension comprising anouter surface into which an annular outer race groove is defined, saidplug portion configured for receiving said body portion thereon withsaid inner race groove aligned with said outer race groove; and saidrotational connector comprising said inner race groove and said outerrace groove aligned to form a combined groove and a plurality of ballbearings received in said combined groove, said combined groove and ballbearings rotatably connecting the twist lock assembly to the dry breakassembly.
 2. The fueling adapter of claim 1, wherein said dry breakassembly further comprises a handle assembly connecting to said bodyportion, said handle assembly for allowing a user to twist the dry breakassembly on and off said receiver.
 3. The fueling adapter of claim 2,wherein the handle assembly defines a generally circular orificetherethrough which has an annular sidewall connected to a peripherythereof, wherein the sidewall defines three radially spaced slotstherethrough, wherein said extension of the plug portion defines threeradially spaced notches each having notch first end and a notch secondend, said slots and notches configured for alignment to create grooves,and wherein said grooves are dimensioned and positioned to slidablyreceive therein three radially spaced tabs extending from said dry breakconnector.
 4. The fueling adapter of claim 1, further comprising arotation limiter for limiting rotation of the dry break assembly inrelation to the twist lock assembly via said rotational connector. 5.The fueling adapter of claim 4, wherein the rotation limiter comprises:a plurality of equiradially disposed limiter channels defined in an endface a second end of the body portion; a plurality of equiradiallydisposed threaded passageways through an end plate in a second end ofthe plug portion; and a plurality of threaded limiter pins extendingfrom said threaded passageways and into said limiter channels, whereinthe limiter pins are able to freely move along said limiter channels andare not attached to said body portion, and wherein the limiter channelsdefine a length which defines the limits to the rotation of the drybreak assembly in relation to the twist lock assembly via the rotationalconnector.
 6. The fueling adapter of claim 5, wherein the number of saidlimiter channels and said threaded passageways is three.
 7. The fuelingadapter of claim 5, wherein the limiter pins comprise ball plungers. 8.The fueling adapter of claim 1, wherein said outside surface of saidtubular body portion comprises an opening to a ball bearing insertionpassageway that extends inwards from the outside surface to the insidesurface, wherein said inner race groove is radially aligned with theball bearing insertion passageway so that said ball bearings may beinserted into the combined groove when the inner race groove and theouter race groove are aligned.
 9. The fueling adapter of claim 8,wherein said tubular body portion further comprises a groove coverconfigured to cover said opening, said groove cover for retaining theball bearings in the combined groove after insertion therein.
 10. Thefueling adapter of claim 1, wherein a first end of the plug portionfurther defines a poppet valve depressor configured to depress a drybreak connection poppet valve in the fuel receiver when the fuelingadapter is attached to the fuel receiver.
 11. The fueling adapter ofclaim 1, wherein a first end of the plug portion further comprises aseal seat configured to receive a gasket for sealing engagement with thereceiver when the fueling adapter is attached to the fuel receiver. 12.The fueling adapter of claim 1, wherein the twist lock couplingcomprises a barrel portion, the barrel portion having an outer surfacewhich comprises a pair of radially spaced tabs which project outwardlyfrom or adjacent to a first end of the twist lock coupling, wherein thetabs are dimensioned and positioned to slidably lock onto flangesdefined on the fuel dispenser, wherein slots are defined between thetabs, wherein tabs are generally wedge-shaped in side elevation and areconfigured for mating engagement with a pair of flanges on the twistlock mating assembly of the fuel dispenser.
 13. The fueling adapter ofclaim 12, wherein the twist lock mating assembly can be attached to thetwist lock coupling of the fueling adapter by inserting a nozzle of thefuel dispenser into an inlet of the twist lock assembly, slidablypassing the flanges through the slots, and bringing rim of the twistlock coupling into contact with an internal face of the twist lockmating assembly, and rotation of a handle system of the twist lockmating assembly to cause the flanges to engage the tabs, thereby drawingthe rim tight against the internal face and locking the twist lockmating assembly onto the fueling adapter.
 14. The fueling adapter ofclaim 1, further comprising a rotation limiter for limiting rotation ofthe dry break assembly in relation to the twist lock assembly via saidrotational connector, wherein said dry break assembly further comprisesa handle assembly connecting to said body portion, said handle assemblyfor allowing a user to twist the dry break assembly on and off saidreceiver, wherein the handle assembly defines a generally circularorifice therethrough which has an annular sidewall connected to aperiphery thereof, wherein the sidewall defines three radially spacedslots therethrough, wherein said extension of the plug portion definesthree radially spaced notches each having notch first end and a notchsecond end, said slots and notches configured for alignment to creategrooves, and wherein said grooves are dimensioned and positioned toslidably receive therein three radially spaced tabs extending from saiddry break connector, and wherein the rotation limiter comprises: aplurality of equiradially disposed limiter channels defined in an endface of a second end of the body portion; a plurality of equiradiallydisposed threaded passageways through an end plate in the second end ofthe plug portion; and a plurality of threaded limiter pins extendingfrom said threaded passageways and into said limiter channels, whereinthe limiter pins are able to freely move along said limiter channels andare not attached to said body portion, wherein the limiter channels havea length defining the limits to the rotation of the dry break assemblyin relation to the twist lock assembly via the rotational connector. 15.The fueling adapter of claim 1, wherein the twist lock couplingcomprises a barrel portion, the barrel portion having an outer surfacewhich comprises a pair of radially spaced tabs which project outwardlyfrom or adjacent to a first end of the twist lock coupling, wherein thetabs are dimensioned and positioned to slidably lock onto flangesdefined on the fuel dispenser, wherein slots are defined between thetabs, wherein tabs are generally wedge-shaped in side elevation and areconfigured for mating engagement with the flanges; and wherein said drybreak assembly further comprises a handle assembly connecting to saidbody portion, said handle assembly for allowing a user to twist the drybreak assembly on and off said receiver, wherein the handle assemblydefines a generally circular orifice therethrough which has an annularsidewall connected to a periphery thereof, wherein the sidewall definesthree radially spaced slots therethrough, wherein said extension of theplug portion defines three radially spaced notches each having notchfirst end and a notch second end, said slots and notches configured foralignment to create grooves, and wherein said grooves are dimensionedand positioned to slidably receive therein three radially spaced tabsextending from said dry break connector.
 16. A fueling adapterconfigured to permit a fuel dispenser which terminates in a twist lockmating assembly to be used to supply fuel to a fuel tank which has afuel receiver outfitted with a dry break connector connected thereto,said fueling adapter comprising: a dry break assembly rotatablyconnected to a twist lock assembly via a rotational connector; said drybreak assembly comprising a first passageway defined therethrough, saidtwist lock assembly defining a second passageway therethrough, saidfirst passageway fluidly connected to the second passageway so as todefine a fuel passageway through the fueling adapter; said dry breakassembly comprising a tubular body portion, said tubular body portionfurther comprising first end, a second end, an outside surface, and aninside surface, said inside surface comprising an annular inner racegroove; said twist lock assembly comprising a twist lock coupling and aplug portion, the plug portion comprising a first end which defines anoutlet, and a second end which defines an inlet, the outlet and inletdefine said second passageway therebetween, the plug portion furthercomprising an extension which extends away from said plug portion firstend, the extension comprising an outer surface into which an annularouter race groove is defined, said plug portion configured for receivingsaid body portion thereon with said inner race groove aligned with saidouter race groove; said rotational connector comprising said inner racegroove and said outer race groove aligned to form a combined groove anda plurality of ball bearings received in said combined groove, saidcombined groove and ball bearings rotatably connecting the twist lockassembly to the dry break assembly; and a rotation limiter for limitingthe rotation of the dry break assembly in relation to the twist lockassembly via said rotational connector, wherein the rotation limitercomprises a plurality of equiradially disposed limiter channels definedin an end face of the body portion second end, a plurality ofequiradially disposed threaded passageways through an end plate in thesecond end of the plug portion, and a plurality of threaded limiter pinsextending from said threaded passageways and into said limiter channels,said limiter pins are able to freely move along said limiter channelsand are not attached to said body portion, wherein the limiter channelshave a length defining the limits to the rotation of the dry breakassembly in relation to the twist lock assembly via the rotationalconnector.
 17. The fueling adapter of claim 16, wherein said dry breakassembly further comprises a handle assembly connecting to said bodyportion, said handle assembly for allowing a user to twist the dry breakassembly on and off said receiver, wherein the handle assembly defines agenerally circular orifice therethrough which has an annular sidewallconnected to a periphery thereof, wherein the sidewall defines threeradially spaced slots therethrough, wherein said extension of the plugportion defines three radially spaced notches each having notch firstend and a notch second end, said slots and notches configured foralignment to create grooves, and wherein said grooves are dimensionedand positioned to slidably receive therein three radially spaced tabsextending from said dry break connector.
 18. The fueling adapter ofclaim 16, wherein said outside surface of said tubular body portioncomprises an opening to a ball bearing insertion passageway that extendsinwards from the outside surface to the inside surface, wherein saidinner race groove is radially aligned with the ball bearing insertionpassageway so that said ball bearings may be inserted into the combinedgroove when the inner race groove and the outer race groove are aligned,wherein said tubular body portion further comprises a groove coverconfigured to cover said opening, said groove cover for retaining theball bearings in the combined groove after insertion therein.
 19. Thefueling adapter of claim 16, wherein the twist lock coupling comprises abarrel portion, the barrel portion having an outer surface whichcomprises a pair of radially spaced tabs which project outwardly from oradjacent to the first end of the twist lock coupling, wherein the tabsare dimensioned and positioned to slidably lock onto flanges defined onthe fuel dispenser, wherein slots are defined between the tabs, whereintabs are generally wedge-shaped in side elevation and are configured formating engagement with the flanges.
 20. A fueling adapter configured topermit a fuel dispenser which terminates in a twist lock mating assemblyto be used to supply fuel to a fuel tank which has a fuel receiveroutfitted with a dry break connector connected thereto, said fuelingadapter comprising: a dry break assembly rotatably connected to a twistlock assembly via a rotational connector, said dry break assemblycomprising a first passageway defined therethrough, said twist lockassembly defining a second passageway therethrough, said firstpassageway fluidly connected to the second passageway so as to define afuel passageway through the fueling adapter; said dry break assemblyfurther comprising a handle assembly connecting to said body portion,said handle assembly for allowing a user to twist the dry break assemblyon and off said receiver, wherein the handle assembly defines agenerally circular orifice therethrough which has an annular sidewallconnected to a periphery thereof, wherein the sidewall defines threeradially spaced slots therethrough, wherein said dry break assemblydefines three radially spaced notches each having notch first end and anotch second end, said slots and notches configured for alignment tocreate grooves, and wherein said grooves are dimensioned and positionedto slidably receive therein three radially spaced tabs extending fromsaid dry break connector, said dry break assembly further comprises atubular body portion, said tubular body portion further comprising firstend, a second end, an outside surface, and an inside surface, saidinside surface comprising an annular inner race groove; said twist lockassembly comprising a twist lock coupling and a plug portion, the plugportion comprising a first end which defines an outlet, and a second endwhich defines an inlet, the outlet and inlet define said secondpassageway therebetween, the plug portion further comprising anextension which extends away from said plug portion first end, theextension comprising an outer surface into which an annular outer racegroove is defined, said plug portion configured for receiving said bodyportion thereon with said inner race groove aligned with said outer racegroove, wherein twist lock coupling comprises a barrel portion having anouter surface which comprises a pair of radially spaced tabs whichproject outwardly from or adjacent to the first end of the twist lockcoupling, wherein the tabs are dimensioned and positioned to slidablylock onto flanges defined on the fuel dispenser, wherein slots aredefined between the tabs, wherein tabs are generally wedge-shaped inside elevation and are configured for mating engagement with theflanges; and said rotational connector comprising said inner race grooveand said outer race groove aligned to form a combined groove, aplurality of ball bearings received in said combined groove, and arotation limiter, said combined groove and ball bearings rotatablyconnecting the twist lock assembly to the dry break assembly, saidrotation limiter for limiting rotation of the dry break assembly inrelation to the twist lock assembly via said rotational connector,wherein the rotation limiter comprises: a plurality of equiradiallydisposed limiter channels defined in an end face of the body portionsecond end, a plurality of equiradially disposed threaded passagewaysthrough an end plate in the second end of the plug portion, and aplurality of threaded limiter pins extending from said threadedpassageways and into said limiter channels, wherein the limiter pins areable to freely move along said limiter channels and are not attached tosaid body portion, wherein the limiter channels have an length whichdefines the limits to the rotation of the dry break assembly in relationto the twist lock assembly via the rotational connector.